Born in Leicester Fields, London to a shoemaker and his wife, Thomas Holcroft was a well-known playwright, author, translator, and reformer. In 1794 he was tried and acquitted of Treason for his membership in radical political associations. He is best known for his close friendship with William Godwin, as arguably the first “Jacobin” novelist, and as the playwright who brought melodrama to the British stage.
Early life
Early life
Holcroft's early life was marked by his family's poverty and the experiences of labouring-class London and its surrounding countryside. His father lost his cobbling shop in London around 1751, and the family turned to peddling for a period. Thus, Holcroft had little formal education. He writes in his Memoirs of teaching himself to read with the Bible, of
1761 words
Citation: Wallace, Miriam. "Thomas Holcroft". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 06 April 2010 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=2174, accessed 27 November 2024.]
